Liverpool Starting XI vs Bournemouth: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Liverpool Set for Bournemouth Challenge in Premier League Opener

Liverpool begin their Premier League title defence tonight at Anfield against Bournemouth, aiming to respond positively after last weekend’s Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace. Arne Slot’s side, crowned champions in his debut campaign, now face the first step in what they hope will be another successful season.

Midfield Competition Intensifies

The most intriguing selection call for Slot appears to be in midfield. Alexis Mac Allister, a Ballon d’Or nominee, is pushing for a starting place after a brief but encouraging cameo at Wembley. With Ryan Gravenberch suspended, the Argentine could slot in alongside Dominik Szoboszlai. Curtis Jones may be the one to make way.

Slot hinted at the wealth of options available in the middle of the park: “The midfield might be our strongest line when it comes to the bodies we have. Unfortunately, [Mac Allister] had a bid of a different pre-season, but he is back now. I still have a choice to make in midfield.”

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Defensive Decisions Await

Joe Gomez is another player under consideration, though his fitness is still being managed. “Joe, I have to make a decision on that. He missed a lot of pre-season, trained twice, but the Palace game, two teenagers, so there is a possibility he might be on the bench,” said Slot.

At full-back, summer signing Milos Kerkez could feature against his former club, while Jeremie Frimpong is expected to start on the opposite flank. Conor Bradley remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from injury.

New Faces Ready for Premier League Bow

Several of Liverpool’s summer recruits are in line for their Premier League debuts. Hugo Ekitike is likely to lead the line, supported by Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo. Salah will be looking to extend his remarkable record of scoring on the opening day to a tenth occasion and add to his 13 previous goal involvements in such fixtures.

Florian Wirtz is set to operate in an advanced midfield role, providing creativity behind the front three. His vision and composure will be key in breaking down Bournemouth’s defensive structure.

Predicted Liverpool Line-up

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; EkitikeDoubts: GomezInjured: BradleySuspended: Gravenberch

The match kicks off at 8pm BST at Anfield and will be shown live on Sky Sports. For Slot, this is more than just a curtain-raiser, it is an early statement of intent in a Premier League season where Liverpool’s rivals will be desperate to close the gap. Bournemouth, under no illusions about the size of the task, will hope to cause an upset, but the champions have the tools to start their campaign strongly.